NAM Submits Comments on Section 232 Investigation into Auto Imports

Manufacturers Caution Administration on Import-Restrictive Measures

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of
Manufacturers (NAM) today submitted comments
to the Department of Commerce regarding its Section 232 investigation into auto
imports:

“Manufacturers agree with the President
on the need to promote free and fair trade,” wrote NAM Vice President of International Economic Affairs
Linda Dempsey. “Manufacturers also agree that carefully
calibrated and multilateral sanctions have a place in supporting national
security objectives. The NAM believes, however, that broad, unilateral and
import-restrictive measures are counterproductive to achieving both of these
goals—goals on which we all agree. That is because, however well intentioned,
they ultimately give an edge to foreign production at the expense of U.S. manufacturing.
The question, therefore, is not whether we agree on the importance of promoting
free and fair trade and protecting U.S. national security, but how best to
advance these critical priorities. One way is by utilizing the many targeted
trade tools we already have that are designed expressly to stop unfair and
counterfeit imports. Another way is by adding even more tools to the toolbox
by, for instance, pursuing innovative, enforceable and new trade agreements.
Manufacturers believe both represent effective avenues to advance our common
goals. . . . The unilateral imposition of tariffs or quotas that a Section 232
investigation could authorize would undermine this sector and broader
manufacturing production and jobs in the United States.”

Following the investigation’s
announcement in May, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons stated, “Manufacturers in
the United States want to give every advantage to American workers. But
incorrectly using the 232 statute will create unintended consequences for U.S.
manufacturing workers that will limit the chance for Americans to win, just as
we do when government gets out of the way and allows us to lead.”

The National Association of Manufacturers
(NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States,
representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in
all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.25
trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any
major sector and accounts for more than
three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful
voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy
agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs
across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to
follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.